The Best Things to Do in Switzerland During Spring, According to a Preview Editor

Considering its iconic imagery of snowcapped peaks and landscapes blanketed in white, Switzerland is often associated with the winter season. But the country has a different charm in the spring, like a sweet spot between the seasons, where vestiges of winter and the welcoming promise of summer linger in the air.

After all, how else can you catch cherry blossoms in full bloom after enjoying a ski trip? My last trip to Switzerland was on the brink of spring's end in Lucerne eight years ago, but now, fast-forward to March 2023, I was able to see the rest of the country in its picture-perfect snow-kissed state, and it didn't disappoint.

Curious? Below, here are the best spots I ventured to in springtime Switzerland courtesy of Switzerland Tourism, with a couple of tips for travelers along the way.

How do you apply for a Switzerland visa for Filipinos?

To witness the Swiss landscapes in real life, Philippine passport holders will have to apply for a Schengen visa. Short-stay visitors can apply with a 90-day validity. For more info, check out our full guide here.

What are the flights from Manila, Philippines to Switzerland?

While there aren’t any direct flights from the Philippines to Switzerland at the moment, several airlines offer flights with short layovers. 

For this trip, I took Switzerland’s flag carrier Swiss International Airlines to Zurich, with a stopover in Singapore via Singapore Airlines. With a flight time of three hours and 45 minutes from Manila to Singapore and 13 hours from Singapore to Zurich, I racked up a total of 16 hours and 45 minutes in the air.

Roundtrip ticket price range: $914 to $2010 (approx. P49,800 to P109,500)

What’s the best way to transport within Switzerland?

Aside from walking, you can get to all points of Switzerland by public transportation. For foreign tourists and travelers, the Swiss Travel Pass is a definite must-have, especially if you plan to check off plenty of sights in your itinerary. 

The pass allows visitors unlimited travel by train, bus, boat, rail, and tram in more than 90 towns and cities. It also includes free admission to more than 500 museums around the country, along with mountain excursions. The Swiss Travel Pass is available in first and second class for adults and youth aged 25 and below, with three-day, four-day, six-day, eight-day, or 15-day validity on consecutive days.

Swiss Travel Pass prices:

2nd class:

3 days: 232 CHF (Adult, approx. P13,960) 164 CHF (Youth, approx. P9860)

4 days: 281 CHF (P16,908), 199 CHF (P11,970)

6 days: 359 CHF (P21,600), 254 CHF (P15,280)

8 days: 389 CHF (P23,407), 276 CHF (P16,600)

15 days: 429 CHF (P25,810), 307 CHF (P18,470)

1st class:

3 days: 369 CHF (Adult, approx. P22,200) 260 CHF (Youth aged 25 and below, approx. P15,640)

4 days: 447 CHF (P26,900), 315 CHF (P18,950)

6 days: 570 CHF (P34,300), 402 CHF (P24,190)

8 days: 617 CHF (P37,120), 436 CHF (P26,235)

15 days: 675 CHF (P40,610), 479 CHF (P28,820)

Tip: Have a copy of your Swiss Travel Pass always ready! For an extra layer of precaution, screenshot your pass and have a printed copy on hand, too. (Don’t forget to present your passport when asked!)

25 Things to Do in Switzerland During the Spring

Martigny, Switzerland

1. Eat lunch at the Restaurant of Plan-Cerisier.

Tucked among the Martigny vineyards are the quaint hamlet of Plan-Cerisier and its hilltop restaurant. There, you’ll see the sprawling sights of the city, and even the roads to Italy and France.

For a taste of the region, I tried out the rösti raclette, a traditional Swiss dish with potatoes sautéed in a pan, topped with the quintessential cheese. 

At the heart of the vineyards, we popped a bottle of Plan-Cerisier’s very own Petite Arvine white wine. 

And since one of the region’s treasured fruits is the apricot, it, of course, also comes in dessert form, which I tried as an ice cream in cold, cold weather. (No regrets!)

Location: Les Guières 15 1921 Martigny-Croix

2. Visit the Barryland Museum.

Dog lovers will surely get a kick out of Barryland, a museum that’s dedicated to Switzerland’s national dog, the Saint Bernard. The project of Fondation Barry celebrates the world-famous furry pal, from its history as a rescue dog to its pop culture presence in films like 1992's Beethoven. On its first floor, the location also serves as a hospice for these gentle giants. Guests will be able to spot the Saint Bernards in close quarters while they’re being cared for.

Location: Rue du Levant 34, CH-1920 Martigny

3. Visit the Pierre Gianadda Foundation.

Martigny is Switzerland’s Art City for a reason, and the Pierre Gianadda Foundation sits on top of the must-visit list. The museum’s modern temple-esque facade is a stark difference from the old town charm, which also incorporates the city’s influences from its Roman empire past.

Visitors will be welcomed by its theater-like interior with chairs surrounding its railings, given that concerts are also held here. The foundation houses archaeological finds dating back to the Gallo-Roman era, a vintage car collection, and world-famous art exhibitions, including a sculpture park with works from master artists like Auguste Rodin, the mind behind The Thinker.

Location: Rue du Forum 59 1920 Martigny

Saint-Léonard, Switzerland

4. Visit the Underground Lake of St. Leonard.

First explored in 1943, the subterranean lake in St. Leonard is the largest natural underground lake found in Europe. With a 30-minute boat ride, you’ll be able to witness its crystal clear waters (fishes included!), natural rock formations, and even a grotto at the edges of the cave. The tour guide will also discuss its history in English, French, and German–so don’t worry about getting lost in translation!

Location: CP 75, Rue du Lac 21 1958 Saint-Léonard

Leukerbad, Switzerland

5. Go up the Gemmi Pass at the Gemmi Lodge 2350.

After a train stop and a bus ride, lace up your waterproof shoes and climb up the peak of the Gemmi Pass through a cable car. At the Gemmi Lodge 2350, you can witness a panoramic view of some of the highest Swiss peaks, thanks to its stunning viewpoint. 

Travelers can try out skiing at this location, but for the uninitiated like me, sledding is a good starting point. (Tip: Hold on to the rope and lean back for the best results!)

Inside, you can cozy up in the heat of the restaurant with Swiss dishes, while taking in the snowcapped backdrop. When in Switzerland, I often began my meals with their staple starter, a plate of green salad. For my main dish, I ordered another round of rösti–this time with egg–along with a cup of steaming hot chocolate.

Location: Wolfgang Loretan Gemmipass 3954 Leukerbad

6. Warm up with a thermal bath at Leukerbad Therme.

Now that you’re all frosty from the winter-level temperatures, a thermal bath is the perfect siren call. In the family-friendly Leukerbad Therme, one-day guests will be able to enjoy its warm spa amenities, including the Alpine region’s largest thermal bath.

At the counter, you’ll be given a towel, a bathrobe, and a wrist tag that lets you access an automated locker where you can keep your belongings. The public thermal baths include indoor and outdoor pools, which let visitors take a soothing dip backdropped by the picturesque mountains. 

Location: Rathausstrasse 32 CH-3954 Leukerbad

7. Eat Chinese food at Canaan Restaurant.

Missing dishes from the Eastern side of the globe? For those needing their dose of rice, Leukerbad offers the Chinese cuisine experience in the Alps. The Canaan Restaurant’s menu comprises Asian favorites like hotpots, Peking duck, lemon chicken, and even fried iced cream.

Location: Willy-Spühlerstrasse 5, Leukerbad

Zermatt, Switzerland

8. Have fusion dishes at Manud.

The charming municipality of Zermatt is filled to the brim with gastronomic options, and among them is Manud, a food haunt that fuses Western and Eastern food philosophies. For lunch, I kept things on the Japanese side with their take on the karaage with nori, paired with a cup of matcha latte.

Location: Hofmattstrasse 4 CH-3920 Zermatt

9. Go on a treasure hunt around Zermatt.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill village tour. With Wolli’s Treasure Hunt, you’ll be able to explore every nook and cranny of Zermatt with a fun spin. Starting at the tourist information center, participants will have to find signs around the village that align with the clues Wolli has given. After you’ve thoroughly circled the length of Zermatt, return to the office and add up the number of symbols to form a code–you’ll get a prize at the end!

Tip: Wear walkable and waterproof shoes for this one! 

Location: Bahnhofpl. 5, 3920 Zermatt (Tourist Information Center)

10. Visit the Matterhorn Museum.

Zermatt’s most iconic symbol is the Matterhorn, a mountain that has graced the logo of Toblerone as one of the world’s most recognizable images. The Matterhorn Museum traces the history of the mountain’s mysterious allure and the brave mountaineers who attempted to conquer it–with and without success. 

Location: Kirchplatz, 3920 Zermatt

11. Taste traditional Swiss dishes at the Schäferstube.

Below the Hotel Julen is the cottage-inspired Schäferstube, a cozy food spot frequented by those seeking the traditional Swiss gastronomic experience. As expected, I went for the essentials with the creamy cheese fondue, which came with a fresh basket of bread and potato slices.

Location: Riedstrasse 2 - CH-3920 Zermatt

12. Get close to the Matterhorn at the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.

Now that you’ve seen a peek at the most photographed mountain in the world, it’s time to get up close and personal with the actual thing. Be among skiers and take a gondola ride up to the peak of Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, where you can head to the Gornergrat, a platform with a postcard-perfect view of the Monte Rosa Massif. Here, you can also check out the Zooom Exhibition which explores the alpine landscape in an immersive 3D cinema.

Still, you’re at the beck and call of nature, especially when you’re in the Alps. We weren’t able to step foot in Gornergrat due to the snow conditions, but at our station, I was able to see skiers in full action, alongside a warm lunch at the Riffelhaus. I had another plate of rösti, too–this time with salmon!

Location: Schluhmattstrasse 28, 3920 Zermatt

13. Have a picturesque dinner at Bazaar by Cervo.

At the Cervo Mountain Resort sits its vegetarian-friendly restaurant Bazaar, a hip spot brimming with Eastern character with its colorful interior and eclectic dishes. Once seated, you’ll be given a newspaper-like menu that promises a journey to the Silk Road with experimental cuisine. My main dish of the night was the Bazaar Burger, a plant-based option perfect for non-meat eaters like me.

The restaurant's surroundings seem straight out of an Instagram shot, with floor-to-ceiling windows that flaunted the Swiss Alps in its full, majestic glory. 

Location: Riedweg 156 3920 Zermatt

Glacier Express

14. Take the scenic route at the Glacier Express.

When it comes to trains, the Glacier Express is a must-ride. The panoramic trip to the Swiss Alps takes you to Zermatt down to St. Moritz or vice versa through idyllic mountain ranges, valleys, and even the deep Rhine Gorge, the Grand Canyon of Switzerland.

Onboard, you’ll be able to take another journey in the culinary sense, with choices of the plate of the day, two-, three-, or four-course menus.

The Glacier Express is also included in the Swiss Travel Pass, all you have to do is reserve a seat online!

Tip: If you hear a bell, plug in the provided earphones to know more info about your current stop. For an extra immersive experience, you can even switch channels to the sounds of traditional Swiss music.

Chur, Switzerland

15. Tour the oldest town in Switzerland.

One of the Glacier Express’s stops is Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland with a settlement dating back to 5000 years. The old town boasts historic buildings peppered with modern boutiques, restaurants, bars, and galleries. Take an afternoon off and relax fountain-side at the Fontana Park–you might even glimpse a few cherry blossoms along the way!

Bernina Express

16. Bask in beautiful views through the Bernina Express.

Labeled as one of “the most famous trains in the world,” the Bernina Express is the stuff of fantasy novels with railway tracks that are some of the world’s highest and steepest on record. With your Swiss Travel Pass and a seat reservation, you’ll be able to journey through 55 tunnels and over 196 bridges, with views of ice glaciers and quaint towns through panoramic windows.

Diavolezza, Switzerland

17. Take a cable car up to Mt. Diavolezza.

Have a stop at the Diavolezza valley-station and hop onboard a gondola to view the Piz Bernina, the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps. Experienced skiers can also expect a perfectly groomed ski area, so bring your equipment! But for those who are still on the fence on their skiing skills, you can always try it out digitally through the Virtual Reality Cinema on top of the mountain.

Location: 7504 Pontresina

18. Try out delicious Italian dishes.

When in the Italian-speaking region, eat pasta! At the Berghaus Diavolezza, you’ll easily immerse in Switzerland’s Italian side with their menu, like my choice for the day: a plate of lasagna with tomatoes, pesto, porcini mushrooms, and tofu on carrot cream. 

My dessert, on the other hand, spoke to Switzerland’s German influences with apple strudel à la mode topped with red currant.

Zürich, Switzerland

19. Eat at the trendy Loft Five.

From the mountainous side of Switzerland comes its bustling cities. Loft Five at Zürich is a peek at its trendy gastronomic scene, with a moody atmosphere filled with the metro’s professionals post-work. For dinner, I tried yet another vegetarian burger, now with black sesame buns. It comes in large servings, so have a friend to help!

Location: Europaallee 15, 8004 Zürich

20. Walk around Zürich.

Once morning comes, a tour around Zürich is something you can’t miss. Switzerland’s most populated city is walkable to a T, but to give your aching feet a break, take their accessible trams around town. With a few short distances, you’ll be able to stroll the upscale shopping street Bahnhofstrasse, the overlooking Lindenhof Hill, and Zürich’s charming old town.

Located in the old town, you can taste the finer side of history at the Zunfthaus zur Waag, where they serve dishes like delectable chicken breast inside a 17th-century guild house.

Tip: Use Google Maps to explore the city. Tram lines and schedules will also be indicated there.

Location: Münsterhof 8, 8001 Zürich (Zunfthaus zur Waag)

21. Visit the Lindt Home of Chocolate.

Chocolate enthusiasts, this one’s for you. Fulfill your Willy Wonka fantasy at the Lindt Home of Chocolate in the neighboring Kilchberg, which is accessible through a bus ride or a scenic boat ride from Bürkliplatz.

Inside, visitors will be greeted by the striking nine-meter-tall chocolate fountain that’s said to be the largest of its kind. According to Lindt, it’s actually made from real chocolate!

The museum traces Swiss chocolate’s origins from the cocoa bean in countries like South America to its formation in Switzerland. Guests can claim an English audio guide on the first floor, which can be scanned at several points in the exhibit. And don’t fret: There are plenty of stops where you can try out the chocolate for yourself, so prepare to leave with a bit of a sugar rush.

Tip: You can stock on your pasalubong here as the Home of Chocolate houses the largest Lindt store in the world.

Location: Schokoladenplatz 1 8802 Kilchberg

22. Eat at Haus Hiltl, the oldest vegetarian restaurant in the world.

Back in Zürich, veggie eaters–and anyone seeking healthier food options–can try out Haus Hiltl, the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. In operation since 1898, the resto’s all-vegetarian menu spans à la carte options to its famous buffet.

Location: Sihlstrasse 28 8001 Zürich

23. Buy local products at the Bürkliplatz market.

The best way to explore a city is through the eyes of a local. One way to experience this is through market shopping at the Bürkliplatz, where you can interact with vendors and buy fresh goods like seasonal and regional vegetables, fresh herbs, cheese, and flower bouquets. Here, we stocked up on picnic essentials like bread, olives, and sweet fruits. It’s best to prepare your cash and get to know the coin system!

Tip: The Bürkliplatz market is only open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., so plan accordingly.

Location: Bürkliplatz 8001 Zürich

24. Have a picnic at Villa Patumbah Park.

Spring is in full fruition at Villa Patumbah park. Bring a picnic mat and your fresh goods at this idyllic location, and enjoy a slice of bread underneath cherry blossoms, magnolia trees, and historic architecture in its English-style garden.

Tip: The weather won’t always agree with your plans, so bring an umbrella on hand!

Location: 128 Zollikerstrasse Zürich

25. Visit the Kunsthaus Museum.

My fellow art history lovers will find their haven in Kunsthaus, Switzerland’s largest art museum. On its several floors are works from visual art masters, including the likes of Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Édouard Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and more.

Swiss visual artist Pipilotti Elisabeth Rist also exhibits an art installation at the new wing, as lights hang over the ceiling, coupled with mesmerizing sounds and shifting lights. Walk through the path while gazing at it for a moment that’s truly cinematic.

Location: Heimplatz 1 8001 Zürich

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